Building construction



July 8, 1958 F. BRUCKMAYER .BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 10, 1955 INVENTOR A RNEY I July 8, 1958 F. BRUCKMAYER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001:. 10, 1955 July 8, 1958 F. BRUCKMAYER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed 001;. 10, 1955 BUILDING CGNSTRUCTEGN Friedrich Brucltrnayer, Vienna, Austria Application ()ctober 1h, 1955, Serial No. saunas 9 Claims. (Cl. 72-1) The present invention relates to skeleton buildings, in general, and to such buildings the walls of which bear part of the load, in particular.

This is a continuation-in-part of patent application Serial No. 258,325, filed November 27, 1951 and now abandoned.

The erection of higher buildings in the usual way of skeleton construction with a load bearing framework made of steel or reinforced concrete and non-loadbearing walls has the disadvantage that the skeleton must be built very strongly and therefore expensively in order to carry besides the traific load the excessive weight of the walls and of course its dead weight.

The performance of a combined building construction consisting of load bearing walls with columns of reinforced concrete which are built in or cast in later is not 3 building itself, which consists of building members, for

example girders or beams, which rest on one hand on the load bearing walls or on structural parts in fixed connection with the same, and on the other hand on the columns or on structural parts in fixed connection with the latter, in order to provide a controllable load distribution of the building loads, traffic loads and so forth between load bearing walls and columns, thereby, causing an unobjectionable cooperation between the columns and the load bearing walls and ensuring a technically correct and economical building procedure by a full utilization of the load bearing capacity of both parts It is another object of the present invention to provide a skeleton building in which by separation of the columns, standing in the line of the walls, from these walls, the load distribution is not disturbed subsequently by shrinkage phenomena or by compression under load: insulation boardings, for example, used to wrap in the columns, separate the latter from the load bearing walls and serve otherwise as protection against heat and cold, noise and vibration and temperature variations.

it is still another object of the present invention to provide a new building method in which the columns prevent or help to prevent the load bearing walls from cracking, buckling or bending.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a skeleton building comprising a plurality of columns, which includes an auxiliary beam which supports only some of the girders of the same story in order to distribute the floor load and the traflic load between the wall and one of the columns; the wall of the upper story rests,.however, on the wall of the lower story ex Fatentecl July 8, 1958 clusively, without finding support on the auxiliary beam or on the floor girders supported by the latter.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a skeleton building in which all floor girders rest on top of the wall, while the bottom portion of the latter rests partly on an auxiliary beam and partly on the wall of the lower floor, the auxiliary beam transferring part of the load to its adjacent column.

With these and other objects in view which will become apparent in the following detailed description, the present invention will be clearly understood in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional elevation through a part of a building shown schematically;

Pig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of a wall indicating the arrangement of supporting the floor girders;

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation through a part of a building disclosing a second embodiment for the support of the floor girders;

Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 show fragmentary perspective views of different structural variations of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3; and

Pig. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view indicating a variation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figs. 1, 2 and 9, the present structure comprises a plurality of wall fields 1 which are disposed spaced apart from the columns 2 of a skeleton structure in such a manner that no static connection is provided between the wall fields 1 and the columns 2.

The columns 2 are equipped on opposite sides with brackets 3 at about ceiling height of each story and a concrete beam 4 of each wall field 1 is disposed between each pair of adjacent columns 2 and in particular between the brackets 3. Auxiliary beams 6 are inserted in the concrete beam 4 next to each bracket 3, without engaging the wall 1 itself in such manner that the auxiliary beams 6 are supported at their end portions only. One side of the auxiliary beam 6 rests on the concrete beam 4 at A-and the other end on the corresponding bracket 3 of the column 2 at B. A plurality of floor girders are equally spaced apart in crosswise arrangement between each pair of adjacent columns 2 in such manner that the floor girders 10 are supported by the concrete beam while the floor girders 11 are supported by the auxiliary beam 6. The static effect of this arrangement in accordance with the present invention is quite apparent.

The portion of the floor load and of the trafiic load taken up by the center floor girders lil is directly transferred to the concrete beam 4- and, thereby, to the wall 1, while the portion of the floor load and traflic load taken up by the iloor girders ll. over length 1; is et; a l y distributed by means of the auxiliary beam 6 to the concrete beam 4 and the bracket 3. In this manner, a predetermined portion only of the floor load and trafiic l-l, d is carried by the wall 1, while the remaining portion is taken up by the columns 2 by means of the bracke By appropriate choice of the length of the auxiliary 6, the latter may support a larger or smaller numb...- o floor girders 1'1 and, thereby, transfer a larger or sm portion of the door load and of the traffic load onto the columns 2. The transfer of a greater portion of the load onto the columns 2 releases the load to be carried by the Wall and in this case a smaller wall foundation will be required.

Since, as pointed'out above, the wall 1 is completely independent from the columns 2 and is slightly spaced apart therefrom, the center floor girders 10 transfer the load exclusively to the wall 1 without losing control of the load taken up by the columns 2.

clearly that the concrete beam 4 is equipped with a central groove 5 of a length equivalent with the length of the auxiliary beam 6 inserted into the groove 5. The auxiliary beam 6 is preferably narrower than the width of the groove 5 and is inserted into the latter with sufficient sideward play in such manner that the auxiliary beam 6 is supported at its ends only, namely on one end with its end portion 7 at A on the concrete beam 4 and on its other end with itsportion 8 on the bracket 3 at B. It is also clearly apparent that the inner (in the drawing, the forward) flange 4a of the concrete beam 4 is slightly lower than the top face of the auxiliary beam 6, so that the floor girders 11 are carried exclusively by the auxiliary beam 6 and are bridged over the inner flange 5a of the concrete beam 4 at a distance d from the latter.

The wall 1 of the next higher story is disposed with play over the girders 11 at the distance e and thus raised, without transferring any load to the floor girders 11, on the outer flange of the concrete beam 4 and, thereby, ex" clusively on the lower wall 1 itself. The columns 2 are separated from the Wall 1 and also from the concrete beam *4 on all sides by damming plates 9 in order to retain a slight movability of the wall upon compression or shrinkage thereof. It is to be understood that the floor girders it) and 11 may also be inserted into the concrete beam 4 and auxiliary beam 6, respectively, instead of resting on top thereof, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, without changing the function and static relationship of these elements.

Referring now to Fig. 3, which discloses a second embodiment of the present invention, the basic structure is identical with that of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, comprising a plurality of columns 2' and a plurality of wall fields 1 disposed between each pair of adjacent columns 2, and each wall field 1 carries the concrete beam '4'. The basic distinction between this embodiment and that shown in Fig. l resides in the feature of inserting and supporting all floor girders 16 equally spaced apart into the concrete beam 4', so that the total floor load and traflic load of'any story is taken up at first by the wall 1' of the wall field disposed below. The auxiliary beams 12 are again movably inserted and are supported exclusively at their ends, namely with one end on the column 2 and with their other end on top of the concrete beam 4, yet above the floor girders 15, so that the load of the wall disposed above the corresponding floor level is equally distributed to the middle portion of the concrete beam as well as to 'both auxiliary beams 12. Since, however, as mentioned before, each wall .1 carries the full floor load and trafiic load of the story disposed thereabove, this embodiment of the present invention brings about that the auxiliary beams 12 distribute the total load of the structure, namely that of the floor load, the trafiic load and of the wall load, between the wall 1' therebelow and the brackets 3' of the columns 2; in a predetermined relationship.

it is, of course, also here possible by changing the length of the auxiliary beam 12 to control the load distribution between the wall 1' and the column 2.. In particular, it is possible to bridge over the window-free wall portions by means of the auxiliary beams 12, which, thereby, assume the main portion of the wall load and, thereby, of the total load.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, which show a slight variation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, at two different stages of the construction, the vertically disposed spaces between the wall 1' and the columns 2 receive again damming plates 9'. All floor girders 16' are equally spaced apart, inserted into, and supported by the con- 4 crete beam 4' of the wall 1', which is disposed between each pair of adjacent columns 2. The auxiliary beams 12 are, however, of a width which is here equal to the Width of the wall. This arrangement is possible because the auxiliary beams assume the full wall load and the wall thereabove is here not supported next thereto by the wall crown. The auxiliary beams 12' rest again with their portions 13 and 14 on the concrete beam 4' and the gusset 3', respectively. The space between the concrete beam 4/ and the auxiliary beam 12' is filled in with the damming plate 15. It is a particular advantage of this embodiment that the columns 2 of the skeleton may be held at smaller dimensions than those used in such skeleton structures in view of the more favorable and clearer load distribution. This arrangement makes it also possible, as clearly shown in Fig. 5, that the columns may be covered on their outside with wall portions and also do not extend into the inside of the building.

Referring now to Fig. 6, a still further variation of the second embodiment, disclosed in Fig. 3 of the drawings, is shown, according to which, while the same static relationship is maintained, the concrete beam 4' of the wall 1 is shortened and the auxiliary beam 12 is disposed adjacent to and in the same plane with the concrete beam 4'. Since, however, the auxiliary beams 12 are not supported now by the concrete beam 4', it is necessary to provide an additional square stone 17 below the supported portion 13 of the auxiliary beam 12 In this variation, the floor girders 10' and 11' are again inserted into the concrete beam 4 and the auxiliary beam 12 respectively. The load distribution is arranged here again exactly in accordance with the second embodiment, in spite of the fact that the portion of the floor load and of the traflic load is transferred by means of the auxiliary beam 12 onto the column 2' already in the higher story than that in the variation shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

Referring now to Fig. 7, a further advantageous variation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is disclosed in which, in accordance with the arrangement disclosed in Figs. 4 and 5, the auxiliary beam 12 rests again on top of the concrete beam 4, in which, however, the concrete beams 4 are movably anchored in the columns 2 by means of the iron members 19. Upon completion of the building and assumption of the complete load by the Walls 1 and the columns 2, in accordance with the present invention, the connecting spaces 20 between the columns 2 and the concrete beams 4' are filled in afterwards so that, while the principle of load distribution in accordance with the present invention is maintained, the formation of stiff resistance points, particularly as security against wind pressure, etc., which is usually provided in conventional skeleton structures, is retained. 7

Referring now to Fig. 8, a further variation of the arrangement shown in Fig. 4 is disclosed by adding a constructional feature, which is, however, applicable to both embodiments and all variations thereofi This constructional feature resides in the arrangement of an elastic layer 24 between the wall 1 and the concrete beam 4' which is formed of corrugated iron sheeting, cork or spring inserts, and which contributes to a better distribution of the prevailing loads. A similar layer may also be provided at will between the concrete beam 4 and the auxiliary beam 12'.

Referring now. to Fig. 9, which constitutes a further variation of the first embodiment, the floor girders 23 are secured to cross beams 21 and 22, respectively, the cross beams 21 being carried by the columns 2, while the cross beams 22 are carried by the concrete beam 4. Otherwise, the structure of Fig. 9 follows the principle disclosed in Fig. 1 of the drawings. a a

In thev case of reinforced concrete framework the erection of the walls before casting the columns avoids all shuttering work. Otherwise the way of. building makes it possiblein case of erection of a steel frameworkto use for the columns profile-iron of I or C-shape, which are not stiff against bending in direction of the walls, because they may lean on the walls simultaneously erected.

By inserting of elastic intermediate layers between trimmers, the auxiliary beams, the concrete beams, and the load bearing Walls, the distribution of the loads can be further controlled.

Walls made from solid bricks, hollow blocks, lightweight concrete or from in situ poured concrete and so on can be used. It is a further advantage to produce the walls of the building by vibrated concrete blocks which are laid in courses in a plastic (unset) state because of the aid of the simultaneously erected light steel framework. The absence of morter expedites the progress of the erection of the walls.

As a result of the invention it is possible, for example. to construct the outer walls of the usual multi-story houses, for example 5-10 stories, but including higher houses, through all stories of load bearing walls of 10 inches thickness, for example hollow blocks, and thereby to save weight, which means a further reduction in cost due to the requirement of lighter foundations.

While I have disclosed several embodiments of the present invention it is to be understood that these embodiments are given by example only and not in a limiting sense, the scope of the present invention being determined by the objects and the claims.

I claim:

1. In a building construction including a plurality of stories, the combination of a structural frame comprising a plurality of upwardly extending columns with a wall disposed between each pair of adjacent columns, the vertical edges of said wall and the adjacent faces of said columns defining spaces tnerebetween, a beam on top of and supported by the said wall, a pair of oppositely disposed brackets supported at the height of each door of the said stories by each of the said columns, and an auxiliary beam disposed on each side of the said columns adjacent each of the said brackets within the said wall, the ends of the said auxiliary beam having supported portions, one of the said supported portions being carried by at least said beam and the wall therebeneath and the other of the said supported portions being carried by the said brackets, thereby distributing one part of the load carried by the said auxiliary beam to the said wall therebeneath and another part to the said adjacent column by means of the corresponding bracket.

2. The building construction, as set forth in claim 1, which includes a plurality of crosswise disposed floor girders, some of the said floor girders resting on the said beam and others of the said floor girders resting on the ;said auxiliary beam, in order to transfer part of the floor load and of the traific load to the said column adjacent the said auxiliary beam and another to the said beam therebeneath.

3. The building construction, as set forth in claim 2, in which the said beam has longitudinally disposed grooves of a length substantially equal with that of the said auxiliary beam and of a height slightly less than that of the said auxiliary beam, so that the said floor girders carried by the said auxiliary beam do not transfer the floor load and traffic load to the said beam.

4. The building construction, as set forth in claim 3, wherein the wall directly above said auxiliary beam includes a plurality of spaced sockets, the ends of said floor girders being disposed in said sockets in spaced relation to the side and upper surfaces of said sockets, thereby avoiding the transfer of the load of the said wall thereabove onto the said floor girders carried by the said auxiliary beam.

5. The building construction, as set forth in claim 1, which includes a plurality of crosswise disposed floor girders resting on the said beam, and the wall thereabove being carried partly by the said beam and partly by the said auxiliary beam, so that the said adjacent column carries at least a part of the load of the said wall therebove, as well as of the floor load and of the trafiic load of the story thereabove.

6. The building construction, as set forth in claim 5,

' which includes wire members connecting each of the said beams and their adjacent column.

7. The building construction, as set forth in claim 1, in which the said auxiliary beam is disposed on the same level as that of the said beam, said beam being supported by the wall therebeneath and the said auxiliary beam being supported partly by the said wall underneath and partly by the said bracket of the said adjacent column, and a plurality of crosswise disposed floor girders, some of the said floor girders resting on the said beam and others of the said floor girders resting on the said auxiliary beam, and the wall thereabove resting on the said beam as well as on the said auxiliary beam, so that the said adjacent column carries at least a part of the load of the said wall thereabove, as well as of the floor load and of the traffic load of the story thereabove.

8. The building construction, as set forth in claim 1, which includes an elastic layer disposed between the said beam and the said well therebeneath.

9. The building construction, as set forth in claim 1, which includes a filling strip disposed between each of the said columns and their adjacent wall.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,045,521 Conzelman Nov. 26, 1912 1,213,188 Hahn Jan. 23, 1917 1,749,166 Swan Mar. 4, 1930 

